Keesler Ensemble raises voices and spirits

Published July 2, 2009
By Senior Airman Kimberly Limrick
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- You may have recently attended an official function and noticed a diverse group of talented people singing together.

The Keesler Ensemble is an all-volunteer choir consisting of four military members and four civilians; Master Sgt. Hope Skinner, Staff SSgt's Mindy Dahl, Michael Young and Twan Zimmerman, Mr. Linus Clark, Mrs. Wanda Gilliard, Mr. Kurt Higgins and Mr. Christopher Moore.

Mr. Higgins and I formed the group together, Wanda Gilliard, 81 Training Group, said. I've known Mr. Higgins as a civilian in the Training Group for many years and when I contacted him with interest in creating a group I found he had the same desire, "it was truly spiritual and we just took off from there."

We both pulled people who we knew could sing, and knew are outstanding members of the base, Mrs. Gilliard said.

"The Keesler Ensemble been in existence since Fall of 2008," Mr. Higgins, 81 Training Group, said. "We typically perform at changes of command, promotions, retirements and awards ceremonies,"

Mrs. Gilliard said, Word got out about us somehow and many members requested us for their special events, on average, one performance per week. Mrs. Gilliard finds all performances rewarding.

"All performances have been special; it's an honor and a privilege to be a part of someone's promotion, retirement or special event. Team Keesler would not be as successful without the dedication and expertise of so many wonderful people. Indeed it is humbling to hear the many accomplishments of the guests of honor for each event."
Although all performances are rewarding, occasionally the group has been given the opportunity to sing at exceptional events, Mrs. Gilliard said.

"The 81 Training Group Awards in February was very special and the 81 Training Wing Assumption of command was breathtaking," she said.

"Singing at the 81 TRW assumption of command was an exciting moment due to the magnitude of the event," Mr. Higgins agreed. And singing at Col. Gilliard's going away dinner was fun because we got to perform multiple numbers including one we changed the lyrics to fit Col. Gilliard's new job at the Pentagon.

Mr. Higgins said the hardest part of being a part of this group will be dealing with the rotation of people.

"After being together, we tend to grow on one another and get used to each other's voices. We are about to experience our first turnover with the departure of Mrs. Gilliard," he said. We will be looking to backfill Mrs. Gilliard's soprano position in the very near future.

Although someone may have a great voice, Mr. Higgins explained they may not have the right voice for the group.

"There are a lot of great soloists on this base and within this community, but that doesn't necessarily mean their voice will blend with others," he said. "As important to me as their voice is the personality of the individual. We're doing this out of pure enjoyment of singing, that's why it's important to me that our personalities mesh."

Mrs. Gilliard said, "The best type person for this group is a team player with great dedication and patriotism."

She added, "The members are dedicated team players and very gifted. Each member does his or her part to ensure we are a cohesive unit. We all get along and lean on each other for support and constructive criticism." Mrs. Gillard said she will miss the group dynamics most.

If interested in trying out for the ensemble, contact Mr. Kurt Higgins at (228) 377-5250.